Maxillary distraction osteogenesis to treat maxillary hypoplasia: Comparison of an internal and an external system

Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has become a mainstream surgical technique for patients with jaw deformities. In cases of maxillary hypoplasia, DO with a rigid external distraction (RED) system has been used for maxillary advancement; however, DO with internal devices is currently popular. Materials: This article describes DO with an internal device and a RED system in 2 patients with maxillary hypoplasia with oligodontia. The first patient, a young girl, had a concave profile due to maxillary hypoplasia and 9 congenitally missing permanent teeth. At age 11 years 11 months, she received DO with an internal device. The second patient, a boy aged 11 years 7 months, was treated with DO with a RED system. Results: In the girl, the maxilla was advanced 5.0 mm without any dentoalveolar compensation. In the boy, the maxilla was advanced 7.0 mm, but undesirable mesial movement of posterior teeth was observed. Conclusions: DO with internal devices is simpler and more useful than the RED system for maxillary hypoplasia with oligodontia.